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How Australia became a Federation.
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COLONIES ADVISED TO FEDERATE
Premier of NSW, Henry Parkes, recommeneds that the colonies federate. He called at Tenterfield for ‘a great national government for all Australians" -
Australasian Federation Conference
The Australasian Federation Conference recommends a national convention be held to draft a constitution for the Commonwealth of Australia. -
National Australasian Convention
The first National Australasian Convention is held in Sydney and drafts a constitution. -
Economic depression
Economic depression for the next 3 years means the colonial parliaments lose interest in federation. -
Cowora
A people's conference in Corowa, New South Wales, urges the colonial parliaments to hold a new convention to decide on a draft constitution. -
Premiers' Conference
A special premier's conference in Hobart agrees to hold a new federation convention. -
Bathurst, people's conference
A second people's conference in Bathurst, New South Wales, renews calls for another federation convention. -
National Australasian Convention
The second National Australasian Convention meets in Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne, and agrees to the constitution. -
Referendum 1898
Referendums are held in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania to approve the constitution. It is endorsed by all but New South Wales. -
Premiers' Secret Meeting
In January the premiers hold a secret meeting and agree to several changes to the constitution. Between April and July referendums are held in South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania at which a majority vote 'yes' to the bill. In September Queensland voters endorse the constitution. -
FINAL PREPERATIONS
In March a delegation travels to London to present the constitution to the British Parliament. On 5 July the British Parliament passes the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act. On 9 July Queen Victoria signs the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act. On 31 July Western Australia holds a referendum at which an overwhelming majority of voters approve the Constitution. -
Commonwealth of Australia is proclaimed.
On 1 January the Commonwealth of Australia is proclaimed in Centennial Park, Sydney. On 29 and 30 March the first Commonwealth elections are held. On 9 May the Duke of Cornwall and York (later King George V) opens the first Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia in the Exhibition Building in Melbourne.
